Chapter 59: Logistics Department Director

“Lin Xiao?”

Lu Pengbo’s brow furrowed in confusion upon hearing the name. Although the head of the logistics department wasn’t an especially significant position, he was quite familiar with the primary contenders, and this name was entirely foreign to him.

However, an individual nearby seemed to grasp his perplexity, and they whispered something to him, leading to an epiphany.

“Madam President, while Lin Xiao may be your personal bodyguard, he has merely been in the company for a few days and lacks relevant work experience. The logistics department, although not particularly crucial, is not a position anyone can simply step into,” Lu Pengbo expressed his objection.

Under normal circumstances, Lu Pengbo wouldn’t have disagreed with Wan Caixuan proposing such a motion. After all, it was just the logistics department.

But Wan Caixuan had just fired his trusted allies, resulting in a significant dent in his influence within the company. If he remained passive now, he feared all but his staunchest supporters would start siding with Wan Caixuan.

Unsurprised by Lu Pengbo’s resistance, Wan Caixuan had anticipated all of this.

The reason for this high-level meeting was to gauge the company’s dynamics, identify potential allies, and distinguish genuine adversaries.

That’s why she started by making a display of authority, undermining Lu Pengbo’s standing. Then she proposed Lin Xiao as the head of the logistics department, a test to see who could be rallied to her side.

“Since Vice President Lu disagrees, let’s proceed with a vote in accordance with the company’s rules and regulations,” Wan Caixuan suggested.

Brilliant Aya Limited boasted a comprehensive management system. A decision-making committee had been established within the highest echelons of management to facilitate voting in instances of conflicting opinions. The proposal with the majority votes was then accepted.

Only individuals at or above the vice president level could partake in the decision-making committee’s voting. Brilliant Aya Limited had a total of seven vice presidents and one president. Each individual had a single vote, with the president carrying the weight of two votes.

“Fine, let’s vote,” Lu Pengbo agreed. He was quite confident about refuting Wan Caixuan’s suggestion, confidently stating, “Those opposing the Madam President’s proposal, please raise your hand.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than he raised his hand. The two vice presidents flanking him also followed suit.

A smirk surfaced on Lu Pengbo’s face at the sight. These were the forces he had meticulously nurtured over the past decade, with the two individuals at his side being his trusted confidants.

He then shifted his gaze to the remaining four vice presidents who hadn’t raised their hands. He was confident that the outcome of this vote would lead to a significant blow to Wan Caixuan’s prestige.

Yet to his dismay, the four vice presidents ultimately did not raise their hands. Only two seemed hesitant as they met Lu Pengbo’s gaze. However, Wan Caixuan’s voice and gaze led them to ultimately keep their hands down.

“Those in favor of the motion, please raise your hands,” Wan Caixuan said, eyeing the two individuals on the fence.

As soon as her words trailed off, two vice presidents promptly raised their hands. The other two, mirroring their previous hesitation, abstained from voting.

However, their abstention was irrelevant at this point. Wan Caixuan’s two votes combined with the two from the vice presidents resulted in a 4 to 3 outcome. The motion was carried.

“The motion has passed, and now, I officially appoint Lin Xiao as the Logistics Department Director,” announced Wan Caixuan, her face calm and composed.

Despite the victory, Wan Caixuan was far from elated. This win was, after all, more of a sudden assault.

In reality, she had merely two genuine supporters and a pair of fence-sitters. The rest were confidants of Lu Pengbo, whose influence within the company exceeded her anticipation. Regardless, at the very least, she had secured a promising start.

“That will be all for this meeting,” declared Wan Caixuan.

As the meeting concluded, Wan Caixuan stepped out of the conference room, with Lu Pengbo trailing behind her, his expression clouded with gloom.

Once the company’s executives had departed, the middle and lower management tiers of Brilliant Aya Limited, brimming with astonishment and eagerness for gossip, dispersed from the conference room.

Their astonishment was not due to the friction between Wan Caixuan and Lu Pengbo, a dynamic already well-understood within the company. Instead, the surprising and intriguing news was the president’s appointment of Lin Xiao, previously seen as merely a bodyguard, as the Head of the Logistics Department.

To them, Lin Xiao was only a bodyguard and even being the president’s bodyguard didn’t command much respect. At best, they ensured they did not cross him, but in their minds, they still somewhat belittled him.

However, now, the president’s suggestion sparked a flurry of speculation and gossip regarding the relationship between Lin Xiao and the president.

At the same time, they deeply etched Lin Xiao’s name into their memory, reassessing his status within the company.

After departing the conference room, Wan Caixuan and Ning Xi rode the executive elevator to the President’s office.

“Miss, we achieved a resounding victory this time,” Ning Xi stated, wearing a hint of a smile.

“Don’t let it go to your head. We just caught Lu Pengbo off-guard this time. His influence within the company is bigger than I anticipated,” Wan Caixuan cautioned solemnly. “Also, we should try to court the two who abstained from the vote. They aren’t under Lu Pengbo’s sway.”

“Yes, Miss,” Ning Xi agreed, nodding her head.

“As for Lin Xiao’s appointment, inform him later,” Wan Caixuan instructed.

Hearing this, Ning Xi wore a troubled expression. “Miss, we did act presumptuously this time, making a decision without consulting Lin Xiao.”

“We can compensate him with two salaries, right? Besides, managing the logistics department doesn’t require too much of his attention,” Wan Caixuan said, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

When she’d come up with the idea, she hadn’t wanted to face Lin Xiao due to her intoxication and hence hadn’t alerted him beforehand.

“You have a good rapport with him, don’t you? In any case, make sure you explain the situation to him.”

“Understood, Miss.”

Upon exiting the president’s office, Ning Xi sought out Lin Xiao, ready to inform him of his unexpected appointment.

***

At the time, Lin Xiao was leisurely wandering around the magnificent building when he noticed the white-collar elites, who had previously ignored him, casting curious glances his way.

This puzzled Lin Xiao but before he could ponder over it, Ning Xi found him.

“Lin Xiao, there’s something I need to tell you,” Ning Xi said.

“Sister Ning Xi, what’s the matter?” Lin Xiao asked, looking somewhat perplexed.

“During the recent company meeting, the president appointed you as the Logistics Department Director. I apologize for not consulting you beforehand,” Ning Xi admitted, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her tone.

“Me? Director of the Logistics Department?” Lin Xiao exclaimed, taken aback. Only then did he understand why the elite white-collar workers were casting strange looks his way.

“Yes, the company has already made the appointment.”